Science & Tech
2024 in review: Technology
China's "nuclear" sub, Ukraine's cheap sensors, Starlink in Russian hands, and other important tech stories.
Ideas
2024 in review: Business
The rise of the software contractors, wobbles among the old guard—and more defense-industry news of the year.
Policy
2024 in review: Policy
Preparing in the Pacific, learning from Ukraine, girding for a new administration—here are some of the policy stories that shaped the past year.
Defense Systems
Army eyes data platform upgrade for 2025
The service lengthened its contract with Palantir before releasing a sketch of its plans for its next-gen Army Data Platform.
Threats
Costs of the CR: Marines will miss full strength, and more
A continuing resolution is better than a shutdown, but it’s still a stopgap that hurts.
Ideas
In defense of the military’s unfunded priority lists
The service branches’ “wish lists” are a key part of Congress’ oversight process.
Policy
Congress averts shutdown with three-month stopgap at 11th hour
The Senate sent the bill to the president's desk after the deadline, but shutdown activities had ceased.
Ideas
Assad’s fall lays the ground for wider peace—if the US can seize the moment
A key will be reshaping the role of the Kurdish militants in Syria.
Defense Systems
US Ospreys to resume flight after gearbox inspections
New flight restrictions added after part failed in last year’s deadly crash.
Policy
US force in Syria is larger than previously known, Pentagon says
Military operations against ISIS are increasing, along with diplomatic outreach to the new government.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 170: Year in review
We listen back on more than a dozen guests from conversations across 2024.
Exclusive
Policy
Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief’s spokesman says
Gen. Randy George agrees the Army is “too top-heavy.”
Defense Systems
Air Force may curtail F-35 plan if newer tech pans out, SECAF says
Outgoing secretary Frank Kendall also clapped back at recent comments by Elon Musk about manned vs. unmanned systems.
Policy
Bill aims to beef up US shipbuilding
Bipartisan SHIPS Act would add funding, goals, oversight to boost U.S. military, commercial fleets.
Policy
US military needs to talk to China on space, cyber issues, officials say
While communications have improved since 2023, high-level strategic talks are still wanting.
Threats
Pentagon’s annual China-power report notes nuclear, influence threats—but also corruption
New edition takes note of intelligentized warfare, cognitive domain operations.
Threats
